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The student council was happy to gain a manpower boost of +2, and Amelia and Olivia were relieved that they no longer had to go hungry. This was the creation of a world where no one gets hurt.

But for once, I couldnt bring myself to be happy about the prospect of recruiting future civil servants. All I could wish for was the happiness of those kids. As academy students, they were technically between nobility and commoners. And yet, they lived as if they were somewhere between the commoners and the poor.

No, not in between they were practically living like the poor. If the academy hadnt provided uniforms for free, then they wouldve probably looked like beggars.

What happened, Carl?

After the two poverty-stricken sisters left, bowing and promising to work hard, Marghetta broke the silence.

Although she agreed to accept them due to my request coinciding with the student councils need for manpower, it was quite an out-of-the-blue suggestion. It would be even weirder to think that I did this all without a reason.

It pains me to see Mar struggle. Wouldnt things be easier with competent students around?

In reality, I had invited them in just so they could at least have a meal. But seeing Amelias reaction, it seemed they were afraid of having their situation exposed. They were probably worried about their reputation among the noble students.

Of course, Marghetta wouldnt look down on them for their situation. Shed likely treat them with nothing but empathy and kindness.

But thats exactly the problem.

Amelia had been mingling with the nobles for a year and a half now. Shed immediately notice Marghettas sympathetic consideration.

That would be troublesome. Its one thing to keep secrets, but quite another for someone else to spill them. Plus, the thought of Amelia panicking, believing that someone from a Ducal house had seen them in a shameful state, was frightening.

Olivia might even write a letter declaring her innocence and withdraw from the academy. Even the brief interaction I had with them today was enough to tell what would happen.

Hmm, really?

Marghettas eyes narrowed, questioning the truth behind my excuse.

I gently stroked her hair in response.

The matter involves their personal lives, so I cant share everything. Im sorry, Mar.

It was a cowardly way to dodge the question, but it was effective. Marghettas eyes softened, and she began to look more at peace.

Can you please understand?

If its a matter of privacy, then theres nothing we can do.

Her soft response eased my mind. I would have eventually had to tell her everything if she pressed on, but Marghetta let it go.

Since you recommended them while thinking of me, I will take good care of these talents, Carl.

That would be an honor.

I didnt know the exact reason, but I appreciated that she was considering my dignity in her promise to look after them.

I was truly indebted to Marghettas generous heart.

***

Shouldnt I just go home, wash up, and sleep after the sports festival?

This competition doesnt look like its going to be resolved anytime soon.

Thats actually better. Its no fun if the outcome is decided too quickly.

Haha! Weve been getting along so well lately!

I dont fit in, so those who do should just get lost.

My precious little haven, the pastry club room, had been invaded by these evil forces. They technically had a right to be here since theyre members, but theyre still invaders.

I really didnt expect anyone to come during the inter-class competition. There was no club time, so why bother?

But they all came, from the club leader to the five members.

Arent you tired? Why dont you go back and rest?

= Get the hell out of my sanctuary, you damned idiots.

I especially addressed this to the loud red and blue duo. If I were exaggerating, I wouldnt have spoken in such roundabout terms but would have physically thrown them out by now.

How can we be tired when we didnt even participate in the games? We just didnt feel like going home yet!

I found myself nodding at Rutiss words. Indeed, they were just spectators. If they had participated in other events in addition to the four-person event, escorting them would have been quite the headache.

That was a valid point. However, there was just a small difference between a valid point and a beating.

If I had to possess a body, then why didnt I possess royalty?

For a moment, I even had the thought that I was suffering because I was just from a counts family. Wouldnt I get away with beating them up if I were royalty? In novels, reckless princes were quite common.

Come to think of it, thats actually the second prince. Damn, so it wasnt just in novels. It actually existed.

I see.

I eventually gave up. While it hurt to have my expectations betrayed, it wasnt unusual for the club room to be crowded at this hour.

I looked away, trying to distract myself, and saw Louise and Erich kneading dough.

Was it just me, or had Erich and Louise gotten closer after he was dumped?

Louise noticed my gaze and looked up.

Shouldnt you take a break on a day like today?

Its no fun if were just watching, so I thought it would be nice if we had something to eat together.

I nodded again at Louises reply, smiling slightly.

Indeed, just like watching a movie was more fun with popcorn, spectating was better with something to eat. Louise must be bored, too, since only the four members were participating in the four-person event.

You too?

Me too.

A brief conversation was enough with Erich.

Do you want some, too?

Ill make something for oppa.

Then, I guess I wont need some.

It does seem like theyve become closer after the rejection.

Anyway, I should gratefully accept since she was offering to make something.

Alright, Ill leave it to you.

Count on me!

It was nice to see Louise smile so brightly after a long time. I was worried because she had been avoiding me, but she seemed fine now.

And for the first time in a while, I saw the cookie jar, which I used frequently in the first semester, filled to the brim.

***

The inter-class competition proceeded smoothly until the last day.

If Rutiss class won, then the next game would be won by Lathers class. Whenever the opponent won, the students in the class containing royalty would evolve into berserk warriors under the guise (and pressure) of encouragement. The other classes watched from afar, like bystanders watching a fire across the river.

A few sacrificed for the peace of many. The greatest happiness for the greatest number. From a utilitarian perspective, it was the right outcome.

The students in Rutis and Lathers classes might feel like it was unfair, but what could they do? Thats their fate.

Luck is also a skill.

I thought about it during the last practical exam, but luck was indeed a skill. Theres an ability score for LUCK in character status screens, isnt there? It was a legitimate skill. There was even a concept of a luck thief in games.

And if you thought about it positively, being in the same class as royalty was a precious opportunity to build connections. When else would they get such a chance?

Of course, I would decline such an opportunity even if it were offered to me.

Im glad it didnt happen to my class.

Turning towards the voice, I saw Olivia gazing blankly at the field.

I hadnt planned to meet her, but I bumped into her while wandering around. I intended to just greet her and pass by, but she suddenly clung to me.

How pitiful.

She was a poor child without parents. This was especially true since Amelia, who played the role of a parent, entered the academy, leaving her to take care of her younger siblings.

She must have suffered from a lack of affection at an age when she should have been receiving it. Yuris and Sophia went through the same thing.

That was probably why shes so clingy I meant, why she came running to me just because I gave her some food even though I was someone others usually tried to avoid.

Shes like a dog.

It might sound strange, but Olivia really was like a giant dog. Like a purple retriever, if you will.

Wheres Amelia?

She was with me until a moment ago, but I cant see her now. Unnie sometimes gets lost.

That sounded more like youre the one getting lost.

I firmly closed my lips, which were twitching, as I pictured Amelia desperately searching for Olivia. It was a sad sight to imagine.

When I remained silent, Olivia turned her gaze to me. Or more precisely, to my hand.

Excuse me, Executive Manager. May I have some of that too?

Sure.

Wow! Thank you!

Noticing her interest in Louises homemade cookies, I willingly handed over the jar.

Thats strange. Im sure shes been eating well after joining the student council Maybe she was trying to make up for the times she went hungry by eating whatever she saw.

Regardless, Olivias expression quickly changed from a beaming smile to a grimace as she bit into a cookie.

Did it taste like the old ones Louise made?

I guess Louise reverted to her first-semester recipe, knowing that Id be the only one eating. The taste was supposedly so challenging that even members who liked Louise wouldnt dare to eat it back then.

I guess noble tastes dont suit me.

Olivia muttered dejectedly after a few hesitant bites.

No, thats an understatement. Some people couldnt even swallow those cookies.

Everyones taste buds are different. Theres nothing strange about that.

After that, Olivia never looked at the cookie jar again.

Before long, a panting Amelia appeared and whisked Olivia away. As she led her away, she bowed her head to me several times.

It seemed like her wariness towards me had lessened a bit since joining the student council, but she still seemed scared. Well, that was normal. Olivia was the odd one out.

I moved on after the purple meerkat finally collected the purple retriever. The four-person event was about to start, and I needed to find a spot where I could watch the field.

Did you just arrive?

Oh, yes. Im a bit late.

When I arrived, not only the Principal but also the Vice Principal and the student council were there. Since it was the final event, everyone seemed anxious. If this went smoothly, then the inter-class competition would finally be over.

That was exactly the problem: I think something was happening.

Something seems to be going on.

As I said that while looking at the somewhat chaotic field, the Principal let out an awkward laugh.

Thats because

Thats what happened.

I see.

The announcement echoed appropriately. It seems that Louises class had managed to recruit an instructor from the Magic Tower.

That was a strong addition.

An instructor from the Magic Tower would undoubtedly be skilled.

However, the downside was that they must prioritize the summons of the Magic Tower over academy affairs in situations like these. And it was just their luck that this downside had to come into play right at this moment.

The most capable faculty members would have already been recruited by other classes by now.

The Principals face showed a subtle hint of regret as he stroked his beard.

It was indeed a troubling situation. The students were facing setbacks not due to their own mistakes, but because of circumstances outside the academys control.

It was a nice gesture, but it didnt really make a difference. Honestly, any faculty members still available at this point would likely not be the best for strengthening their team.

Its a shame.

Regardless, the victory in the four-person event was probably destined for Rutis or Lathers class. It was just sad that Louises class seemed to be doomed to fail without even showcasing their strength.

A few minutes later, another announcement came through.

Nominated?

In such cases, the procedure of seeking the faculty members consent is bypassed. Its a measure of consideration for the class suffering from an unexpected turn of events.

That made sense. There was already a significant gap in their lineup. Starting from scratch to persuade someone would be too harsh.

What was going on?

The announcement suddenly stuttered. This had never happened before.

?

Was there another pastry club advisor I wasnt aware of?